IS it true that you do not need to run a firewall or anti virus while using Linux ubuntu operating system ?

Question

IS it true that you do not need to run a firewall or anti virus while using Linux ubuntu operating system ?

Answer 1

Yes, it's true, you don't need them.

Answer 2

You don't need an anti-virus because the only Linux exploits in the wild target servers. The base configuration of the system is more secure than the base configuration of Windows, but it's by no means super-secure. (For example, the Duqu worm's command servers were compromised CentOS Linux machines). Most AV products will just identify Windows viruses so there's no point in running those. A firewall is still useful, however.

Answer 3

Anitvirus is generally not needed or recomended, however firewalls are recomended, especially if you don't have a NAT server between your computer and the net at large.



If you run a server with a high exposure you also want to scan for root-kits and skim system logs every now and then.

Answer 4

Ubuntu has a firewall installed, it's just not turned on by default.



You can install either "gufw" or "firestarter" to enable it and manage the settings if you want.



Linux viruses are very rare, so rare most users don't even bother worrying about them. The way the file system is created, the fact you install and update from repos and not third-party sites, and the nature of open-source code means the Linux platform is highly-resistant to Windows style exploits.



If you are planning to install WINE or transfer files from your Windows partition to Ubuntu, you should scan them just to be safe. ClamAV is what you will want in that instance.

Answer 5

Ubuntu has a firewall. You do not need a virus scanner.



All that being said, do not go to a file-sharing or porn site just yet! Connical has left some major holes in Ubuntu.



Ubuntu is simplified Linux. More serious distributions are much better protected. In the case of a serious distribution an attacker must know your root password to do any damage. He or she can not gain access to your /sbin directory etc. In the case of Ubuntu ANYONE can type "sudo [any command]". He or she can replace any of the tools in your /bin or /sbin directory with some rouge code. Replacing the "/bin/cat" binary with a program that prints "Meowwwww!" was a common prank back in school.

Answer 6

No OS is foolproof.



Ubuntu users are rare, whereas people who use Windows or Mac OS are increasing. Hence, a malware writer has more "bang for his buck" to write malware to exploit vulnerabilities in more widespread OS, rather than Ubuntu.



I do agree, Ubuntu is rather fact, and has a pleasant user interface.

Answer 7

It is a secure OS most people who make viruses make them for windows and macs becouse of their popularity. But running a anti virul or malware detection software is still needed about once a month is a good schedule for checking for viruses and malware.

Answer 8

The OS is VERY secure. However, you may want to run an antivirus every now and then, just to be sure. There are linux trojans, viruses, etc. but mostly, they infect your system because the user allows them to. You may click on something or what not. So, while it is very secure, run an antivirus scan every now and then.



Cheers =)